The University of Michigan is set to appoint Kent Syverud, the current Chancellor and President of Syracuse University, as its next president, according to sources familiar with the ongoing selection process. The U-M Board of Regents will convene for a special meeting at 1 p.m. on Monday to officially vote on his appointment, marking the third leadership change in five years for the institution.
Syverud, an alumnus of the University of Michigan, holds both a master’s and a law degree from the university, and is recognized for his significant ties to Michigan. He has led Syracuse University since January 2014 and previously served as a dean at Washington University in St. Louis and Vanderbilt Law School. His potential installation comes at a critical moment for U-M, as the institution is grappling with challenges including impending federal funding cuts.
Domenico Grasso has been serving as the interim president since May, after former president Santa Ono announced his departure. Syverud’s expertise is notable; he acted as an expert witness in a landmark affirmative action case concerning the university’s admissions policies before the U.S. Supreme Court in 2003.
While Syverud’s starting salary at U-M has not been disclosed, it is anticipated to be competitive, considering his predecessor’s compensation was approximately $1.3 million base salary. At Syracuse, Syverud earned a total of around $1.76 million for fiscal year 2024, inclusive of additional compensation.
This leadership transition coincides with an anticipatory period of change and adaptation at the University of Michigan as it seeks to navigate financial and operational hurdles. The expected arrival of Syverud may bring fresh perspectives and strategies to address these ongoing challenges head-on.